Hey roofers! After managing digital marketing for roofing companies across different markets, I want to break down what actually works when it comes to SEO and PPC. No fluff, just practical insights you can use right now.
What’s SEO All About?
Think of SEO like your online reputation. When someone in your service area searches “roof repair” or “roofer near me”, you want your company showing up in those free, organic listings on Google. This is local SEO in action!
A great example: One of my roofing clients started showing up for “metal roof installation” searches in their area after about 4 months of SEO work. Now, they get consistent leads without paying per click. The first few months were quiet, but now? They get leads from Google, completely free.
PPC: When You Need Leads Now
Storm season’s coming, and your schedule’s looking empty? That’s when PPC really shines. I’ve seen it firsthand, you can literally turn on Google Ads today and start getting leads by tomorrow.
We launched campaigns for several roofing companies. Within the first day, they were getting estimate requests. , it worked out pretty well!
The Real Story About Both
Here’s a quick comparison:
SEO:
- Takes about 4-6 months to really start working
- Once you’re ranking, leads come in for free
- Works 24/7 once you’re set up
- It’s a long-term investment that pays off over time
PPC:
- Instant visibility, you can get leads right away
- You choose exactly what roofing services to target
- Great for filling in gaps in your schedule
What Actually Works Right Now
Based on managing marketing for roofing companies, here’s what works best:
- Google Business Profile: Get it solid. It’s free exposure.
- If your schedule needs filling, run targeted PPC ads for roofing services like roof repairs or roof replacement.
- Build your SEO steadily. Focus on your service areas and top roofing jobs like metal roofing or shingle repairs.
Straight Talk About Costs
Let’s talk about costs because this is important.
PPC:
Most roofing companies I work with start with $1,500-$2,000 per month. Click costs range from $25-$50 in competitive markets, depending on the keywords like roofing and roof repairs.
SEO:
Plan on $1,000-$1,500 per month for at least 6 months. Yes, it’s an investment upfront, but once your SEO starts working, those free leads start rolling in, and they don’t stop.
Bottom Line
Don’t feel like you have to choose between SEO and PPC. The smartest approach I’ve seen is using both. Use PPC for immediate leads while building your SEO for long-term success.
Every week, I talk with roofing companies struggling to get more leads online. The ones who succeed? They’re playing both the short and long game. They use PPC to fill immediate gaps and invest in SEO for sustained growth.
Got questions about what might work best for your market? Drop me a line, and let’s figure out what makes sense for your company!
